The Increasing Dependence of the Elderly Population on the Younger Population

Data from the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in the 2018 Elderly Population Statistics shows that the dependency ratio of the elderly population on the productive-age population is increasing. In 2018, the elderly dependency ratio was 14.49, compared to 14.02 the previous year. This indicates that for every 100,000 people of productive age, 15 elderly people must be supported.

This increase in the ratio is in line with the increasing cost of elderly care. Therefore, government participation is needed to empower the elderly to be healthy and independent. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the empowerment of the elderly is needed to improve the status and welfare of the population, one of which is through Elderly Posyandu (community health centers).

In addition to Elderly Posyandu, there is also the development of community health centers that provide compassionate health services for the elderly and the development of hospitals with geriatric services and an integrated team. The development of Long-Term Care (LTC) and the strengthening of families as caregivers are also facilitated.

(Read Databoks: [Majority of Elderly Workers Have Low Education])